Waterproofing Sleeve and Coupling Element for Wall Penetrations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional waterproofing methods for walls with penetration members, such as those in bathrooms and kitchens, require excessive sealant and can damage the wall or tiles when maintenance is needed, as the sealant often prevents removal of components like tap spindles without damaging surrounding structures.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sleeve with a resilient collar to fit around the penetration member and a separate coupling element for sealing to the wall, allowing the sleeve to be adjusted and trimmed to be flush with the wall, reducing the need for extensive sealant and enabling maintenance without damaging the surrounding area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a large wall opening is created to accommodate the penetration member, then the penetration member can be installed, but a large gap remains requiring excessive sealant
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproofing system is divided into multiple components: a sleeve that fits around the penetration member, a coupling element that seals to the wall, and sealant applied only at the interface between the coupling element and wall. This segmentation allows the wall opening to be sized precisely to the penetration member while minimizing the gap requiring sealant.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the penetration member and the coupling element, providing a precise fit around the penetration member and creating a controlled interface for sealing that reduces the amount of sealant needed.
2Reliability
If sealant is applied to fill the gap between wall and penetration member, then waterproofing is achieved, but the penetration member cannot be removed for maintenance without damaging the wall or tiles
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the waterproofing function into distinct components: the sleeve that interfaces with the penetration member, the coupling element that seals to the wall, and the sealant applied only at the coupling element-wall interface. This allows the penetration member and sleeve to be removed together as a unit for maintenance while the coupling element remains sealed to the wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The penetration member is extracted from the direct sealing relationship with the wall by introducing the sleeve and coupling element as intermediate components. The sealant is applied only at the coupling element-wall interface, not at the penetration member-wall interface, allowing maintenance access while preserving waterproofing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the wall opening has a rugged outline and surface, then the opening can accommodate the penetration member, but it becomes difficult to apply sealant evenly
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is pre-fitted around the penetration member before the coupling element is installed and sealed to the wall. This preliminary action creates a smooth, controlled interface at the coupling element-wall junction, making sealant application easier and more effective compared to applying sealant directly to the rugged wall opening.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution minimizes the use of sealant, allows for maintenance without damaging the wall or tiles, and provides effective waterproofing by allowing the sleeve and coupling element to be adjusted and sealed independently, enhancing the tolerance for varying angles and depths of penetration members.
Implementation Method 1
a sleeve including a collar having a resiliently flexible portion adapted to expand to fit about the water combination
Implementation Method 2
the coupling element arranged to seal to the sleeve and the wall to which the water combination is mounted
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates generally to a system for waterproofing a wall 7 having a wall opening through which a water combination 6 extends. The system comprises a sleeve 1 including a collar 12 having a resiliently flexible portion adapted to expand to fit about the water combination 6. The waterproofing system also comprises a coupling element 3 separate from the sleeve 1. The coupling element 3 is arranged to seal to the sleeve 1 and the wall 7 or associate tiles 8 to which the water combination 6 is mounted.